From:
HugAFerret@aol.com
Date: 2001-10-06 14:06:00 UTC
Subject: Uncommon Aggression w/ Swollen Vulva?
Hi All!!
I'm new to the list, have tried to research this, didn't find much related so
I'm asking....
Shilo, my 3 1/2 year old spayed female ferret had her left adrenal gland
removed June 2001. She recovered well, grew her fur back, and gained weight
with no problems. Her vet said her right adrenal was just fine.
Now (4 months later) she has an extremely swollen vulva and has suddenly
started being VERY aggressive over the past 5-6 days. She is terrorizing our
2 cats that she's never bothered in the past. Is constantly running through
the house full speed, never stops chattering, usually has a bottle-brush tail
while she's doing this. This goes on for several hours straight. Her sleep
pattern is very altered. (She only sleeps for about 30 mins and is up and
running again even when caged overnight) She's eating and pooping normally,
and her fur is just fine. There have been no changes in her food, but she
has suddenly started licking everyone and won't stop once she starts (people
feet, legs, arms, faces.... whatever she can reach). Her cagemate (4 year
old neutered male) basically hides from her and I'm thinking it's because she
is so aggressive now, and they usually play together for hours, not any more.
When she had her adrenal surgery, the vet said that there was no
incomplete spay, and that all her other organs looked just fine. I'm at a
loss to figure out what's going on with her. I plan on calling her vet (VERY
ferret knowledgable) on Monday morning... but was wondering if anyone had
ever seen something like this. Could she be in a hormone overload? Her
behavior is like a severe hyperactivity. She's always been 'feisty', but
this is totally out of character.
I'd appreciate any help/advice/suggestions you can give me. Thanks!!
Katie